The Gender Studies minor provides students with an opportunity to develop a reflective and interdisciplinary understanding of how our notions of gender, gender roles, and gender identities have been, and continue to be, shaped by the intellectual, historical, and sociocultural contexts in which they emerge. Includes a significant research or service-learning project related to the topic of Gender Studies in a 200-level course or above in the student's major field of study.
For more information about the Gender Studies minor, contact one of the co-directors, Dr. Sara Shady or Dr. Diana Magnuson.

What can I do with this degree?

This is a practical minor for a variety of areas of study including, but not limited to:

Psychology

Biblical and theological studies

Communication studies

History

Business

International relations

Reconciliation studies

Philosophy

Education

Social work

Sociocultural studies

What skills will I develop?

Understanding how personal beliefs about gender influence thoughts about ourselves and others

Ability to apply biblical perspectives to gender issues

Understanding of the key contexts that have and continue to shape gender experiences

Critical thinking skills for evaluating different beliefs and systems about gender

Be able to respectfully and thoughtfully communicate personal perspectives

Recognize discrimination at the intersection of gender, race, class, and more

Empathy for how gender shapes and impacts people of other cultures

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

With this minor, you’ll have an opportunity integrate a topic of gender studies that interests you into a course within your field of study. You will design an integrative project through either research or service-learning that explores how issues of gender impact your major field of study. See the Gender-tag form (pdf) for more information.

This minor offers lots of flexibility, as many of the course offerings also count toward general education requirements.